muhajirun: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareFormal, Academic, Religious
Quick answer
What does “muhajirun” mean?
The emigrants.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The emigrants; specifically, the early Muslims who migrated from Mecca to Medina with the Prophet Muhammad in 622 CE.
The term can be applied more broadly to refer to Muslim emigrants or migrants who leave their homes for religious or political reasons, seeking a place where they can freely practice their faith. In Islamic historical and theological discourse, they are celebrated alongside the 'Ansar' (the helpers from Medina) and are considered companions of the Prophet with high status.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical; the term is confined to academic and religious discourse. Spelling may vary based on the transliteration system (e.g., muhājirūn, mujahideen is a different term).
Connotations
No inherent British/American connotative differences. Connotations are strictly tied to the user's familiarity with Islamic history and theology.
Frequency
Virtually never used in general English. Its appearance is limited to texts on Islamic history, theology, or in Muslim communities discussing the early history of Islam.
Grammar
How to Use “muhajirun” in a Sentence
The Muhajirun + [verb of migration/action] (e.g., migrated, were given refuge)Among the Muhajirun was...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “muhajirun” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The early believers were forced to muhajir (Note: verb form 'hijra' is used; 'to perform hijrah') to preserve their faith.
American English
- The community decided to make hijrah, following the example of the Muhajirun.
adjective
British English
- The Muhajirun community faced significant hardship upon arrival.
American English
- His research focuses on the muhajir (emigrant) experience in early Islamic history.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, and Islamic theology texts to refer to the specific group of early Muslim emigrants. Example: 'The treaty established rights and obligations for the Muhajirun and the Ansar.'
Everyday
Extremely rare; only used by Muslims in religious or educational discussions about Islamic history.
Technical
Used as a precise historical/legal term in Islamic jurisprudence when discussing the rights of early Muslims and precedents for Muslim minorities living in non-Muslim lands.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “muhajirun”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “muhajirun”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “muhajirun”
- Pronouncing it as /mjuːˈhædʒɪrʌn/ (like 'muse'). Correct first syllable is 'muh'.
- Using it as a singular noun (the singular is 'muhajir').
- Confusing it with 'mujahideen' (holy warriors), which is derived from 'jihad', not 'hijrah'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While they were forced to leave their homes, the term 'Muhajirun' carries a specific religious and historical meaning of emigrating for the sake of Islam, which is not fully captured by the modern legal or general term 'refugee'.
In everyday English, it would be unusual and potentially confusing. In Islamic theological or activist discourse, some might use it metaphorically, but the term 'migrants' or 'refugees' is standard. The original term is firmly tied to the 7th-century event.
They are directly related. 'Hijrah' is the noun meaning 'emigration' or 'migration'. 'Muhajirun' (plural) and 'Muhajir' (singular) are the active participle forms, meaning 'those who emigrate' or 'emigrants'.
Yes, when referring to the specific historical group, it is typically capitalized as it functions as a proper noun (like 'the Pilgrims' referring to the Mayflower settlers). When used generically, capitalization may vary.
The emigrants.
Muhajirun is usually formal, academic, religious in register.
Muhajirun: in British English it is pronounced /mʊˈhɑːdʒɪrʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /mʊˈhɑːdʒɪrʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On the path of the Muhajirun (meaning: following the example of those who emigrate for faith)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HUGE JOURNEY undertaken by faithful people: 'Muhajirun' sounds like 'huge journey' for the faith.
Conceptual Metaphor
JOURNEY OF FAITH. The Muhajirun embody the archetype of sacrificing one's home and possessions for a higher spiritual purpose, making their migration a metaphor for spiritual striving (hijrah).
Practice
Quiz
In the context of early Islamic history, who were the 'Muhajirun'?